In a world where food insecurity and environmental concerns continue to dominate headlines, partnerships like the one between The Meeting Place and OzHarvest stand out as beacons of hope.

Managed by Home in Place, The Meeting Place on the NSW Central Coast is a vital community hub that fosters connections and provides essential resources to local residents. This collaboration, based on a shared mission to reduce food waste and provide for those in need, has delivered outstanding results in 2024, creating a real impact on both the community and the environment.

The numbers speak volumes about the success of this partnership. In 2024:

•  13,854 kilograms of surplus food were saved from going to waste.
• the equivalent of 27,708 meals were distributed to individuals and families in need on the Central Coast.
• by preventing food from ending up in landfill, the partnership saved 13,438 kilograms of CO2 emissions, contributing to a healthier planet.

The Meeting Place is a community hub where local residents can access a range of outreach services and participate in activities that build individual skills and strengthen the capacity of community members, providing support to not only Home in Place tenants but also to the wider community.

OzHarvest, Australia’s leading food rescue organisation, is at the heart of this impactful partnership. By working with food donors—including supermarkets, restaurants, and food manufacturers—OzHarvest rescues surplus food that would otherwise go to waste. This food is then redirected to organisations such as The Meeting Place, ensuring it reaches those who need it most.

Beyond the immediate benefits of feeding people, this partnership addresses critical environmental issues. Food waste is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and by rescuing nearly 14 tonnes of food, The Meeting Place and OzHarvest have demonstrated how local action can contribute to global environmental goals.

The success of The Meeting Place and OzHarvest’s partnership in 2024 serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved when communities and organisations come together.

As we move into 2025, the partnership between The Meeting Place and OzHarvest aims to build on this year’s successes. With continued support from the community and a steadfast commitment to their mission, they are poised to rescue even more food, provide more meals, and further reduce environmental impact in the years to come.